Preventing Basketball Injuries

Basketball was first introduced to the world in 1891 by Dr. James Naismith, using a soccer ball and two peach baskets. Today's high-speed, physical sport scarcely resembles the original game. With modern basketball's fast pace game come many opportunities for injuries. It is estimated that more than 1.6 million injuries are associated with basketball each year.

WHAT TYPES OF INJURIES ARE MOST COMMON IN BASKETBALL?

HOW ARE BASKETBALL INJURIES TREATED?

Ankle Sprains

Treatment for an ankle sprain involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). The need for X-rays and evaluation by a physician is determined on a caseby- case basis and depends on the severity and location of pain. Pain and swelling over the bone itself may need further evaluation. An injury to the ankle in a child who is still growing could represent a simple sprain or could be the result of an injury to the growth plates located around the ankle and should be evaluated by a physician.

Jammed Fingers

Jammed fingers occur when the ball contacts the end of the finger and causes significant swelling of a single joint. Application of ice and buddy taping the finger to the adjacent finger may provide some relief and allow the athlete to return to play. If pain and swelling persist, evaluation by a physician or athletic trainer is recommended and an x-ray of the finger may be needed.

Knee Injuries

Basketball requires extensive stop and go and cutting maneuvers which can put the ligaments and menisci of the knee at risk. Injury to the medial collateral ligament is most common following a blow to the outside of the knee and can be often be treated with ice, bracing and a gradual return to activity.

An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament is a more serious injury and can occur with an abrupt change in direction and landing for the jump. Although this ligament tear is most commonly a seasonending injury that requires corrective surgery, current techniques used to repair the ACL ligament generally allow the player to return to play the following season.

Deep Thigh Bruising

Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Commercially available girdles with thigh pads are now available for protection.

Facial Cuts

Depending on the depth of the injury, the cut may require stitches or a "butterfly" sterile tape. Ice may provide pain relief and decrease swelling. Players can return to play after all blood is removed and the wound is dressed.

Stress Fractures

Stress fractures can occur from a rapid increase in activity level or training or from overtraining. Stress fractures in basketball most commonly occur in the foot and lower leg (tibia). Once diagnosed, a period of immobilization and non-weight bearing is recommended. Return to play is permitted once the fracture has completely healed and the athlete is pain free.

HOW CAN BASKETBALL INJURIES BE PREVENTED?

Hydrate adequately - waiting until you are thirsty is often too late to hydrate properly

Pay attention to environmental recommendations, especially in relation to excessively hot and humid weather, to help avoid heat illness

Maintain proper fitness - injury rates are higher in athletes who have not adequately prepared physically

After a period of inactivity, progress gradually back to full-contact basketball through activities such as aerobic conditioning, strength training, and agility training.

Avoid overuse injuries - more is not always better! Many sports medicine specialists believe that it is beneficial to take at least one season off each year. Try to avoid the pressure that is now -exerted on many young athletes to over-train. Listen to your body and decrease training time and intensity if pain or discomfort develops. This will reduce the risk of injury and help avoid "burn-out."

Talk with your coach and/or athletic trainer about an ACL injury prevention program and incorporating the training principles into team warm-ups

The athlete should return to play only when clearance is granted by a health care professional.

REFERENCES AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Dr. James Naismith, Inventor of Basketball, history, Kansas Heritage Group